Chives

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Chives

Latin name

Allium schoenoprasum

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Origin

probably native to Europe, Asia and North America

Crop classification

leaf vegetable

Plant height

in leaf: 30 cm, in flowe: 60 cm

Plant width

30 – 60 cm

Exposure

sunny location, can tolerate partial shade

Temperature requirement

frost-resistant, perrenial

Optimal temperature

till 20-25°C

Water requirement

undemanding

Soil requirement

well-permeable, medium-heavy soil, rich in organic matter

Edible part

leaves, linden, flower

lightbulb

Interesting

In addition to the leaves, there is also interest in its decorative flowers, which are edible and add aesthetic value to food.

accessibility

Usage

decoration for adding a delicate onion taste and a colorful touch to soups, salads, potatoes, eggs and fish dishes, currently there is also interest in its edible flowers

Agrotechnics of growing and harvesting 

Propagation 

• generative and vegetative way 
• on larger areas we grow from direct sowing 

Inclusion in the sowing process and fertilization requirements 

• biennial plant 
• in the second year it forms a flower
• in field culture, we grow it as a perennial crop, in one location for several years in a row (approx. 4 years) 

• in colder climates, the above-ground parts of the plant die for the winter, but the roots survive underground 

Track

• second 

Suitable pre-crops 

• legumes, cabbage, cereals, fertilized roots 

Fertilization

• a nitrogen-demanding crop 

Varieties

• they differ from each other, e.g. leaf color - from light green to deep green. Mostly early varieties with high fertility are offered, suitable for growing in containers as well as growing in the flower bed.

Harvest

• continuously throughout the year, in intensive cultivation it is harvested with an adjustable mower, leaving a 5 cm base

Ingredients

• allicin, alliin, quercetin, kaempferol, sulfur compounds, essential vitamins and minerals, essential oils such as linalool and geraniol, saponins, fiber 

Phytotherapeutic groups 

• antibiotic, anthelmintic, antihypertensive, antiphlogistic 

Diseases and pests 

• Chive crops are most often damaged by onion perenospora (onion mold) (Perenospora destructor Berk.), leek rust (Puccinia porri Winter), alternaria spot and rot (Alternaria porri), white sclerotia rot (Sclerotium cepivorum). Pests of chives include the onion weevil (Ceutorrhynchus saturalis Fabr.), the garlic weevil (Acrolepia assectella Zell.